SALEM, VA - Steven Ressler and Billy Anderson combined for 38 points on Monday as the Susquehanna Men's Basketball team coasted past Bryn Athyn, 85-55 at Roanoke College's Cregger Invitational. The River Hawks had it all going on against the Lions, connecting for a season-high 58.9 percent shooting (33-56) and 13-of-24 three-pointers.
Ressler, who had a team-high 20 points, made five three-pointers in the game, with three coming in the first half, helping the River Hawks take firm control of the game. Susquehanna went on a 25-4 run in the final 9:09 of the first half, a run spearheaded by Anderson, who scored 10 of the team's 25 points in those final nine minutes. The River Hawks took advantage of a size difference with Anderson, as all ten of his points on that run came in the paint. Entering halftime with a 46-24 lead, Susquehanna didn't look back, maintaining a 20+ point lead for the remainder of the game. Senior guard Marcus Mitchell, who had 13 points, scored eight in the second half, including a three-pointer to extend the lead to 30 points.
Junior forward Emezie Egeonu had another stellar game, scoring seven points and adding seven rebounds as another presence in the paint for the River Hawks. Jackson Van Wagener, Brandon Lavitt, and Cooper Haberern each added six points. Lavitt grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds, Van Wagener a team-high five assists, and Haberern contributing two additional three-pointers. Bryn Athyn, meanwhile, was limited to 33.9 percent shooting (19-56) and making just 2-of-16 three-point attempts. Their missed opportunities contributed to Susquehanna holding a firm 38-25 lead in rebounds, scooping 31 defensive boards.
The win puts Susquehanna back to .500 after falling to Maryville in the tournament opener on Sunday, 70-66. Entering the new year at 5-5 overall, the River Hawks now shift their focus to Arcadia, whom they will host on Saturday, January 4, at Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium. They have won two of their last three matchups against Arcadia and look to avenge a one-point defeat they suffered to the Knights last November.
